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The EPI Foundation

Focal Point for the Implementation of the Elephant Protection Initiative and its Objectives

Registered as a charity in England and Wales, and regulated by the Charity Commission, the EPI Foundation is the legal entity charged with supporting the EPI member states to implement their individual and collective commitments to elephant conservation.

The Secretariat is staffed by an Executive Management team of experienced conservationists and overseen by a highly respected Board of Trustees.

Working in coordination with member state governments, their appointed National Focal Points, NGO partners, and the EPI's other structures, the EPI Foundation is at the heart of efforts to protect Africa's elephants.

Our Board of Trustees

The EPI's Secretariat is overseen by a team of passionate and highly experienced conservationists, bringing together the very best in technical and operational knowledge. Beyond their fiduciary duty, our Trustees provide important guidance in the implementation of the Secretariat's work to support member countries across the continent.

Sharon Ikeazor 

Chair, Board of Trustees
Former Minister of State, Federal Republic of Nigeria

Sharon Ikeazor, CON, was appointed Chair of the Board of Trustees of the EPI Foundation in 2025. She is a seasoned legal practitioner and public servant from Nigeria. As Minister of State for the Environment and for Niger Delta Affairs, she championed protection of biodiversity and sustainable development. She continues to lead efforts promoting inclusive governance in conservation, amplifying the voices of women and youth in protecting Africa’s natural heritage.

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Professor Lee White, OBE

Trustee
Former Minister of Water, Forests, the Sea and the Environment, Gabon

Professor Lee White, OBE, is an internationally respected conservationist with over 30 years’ experience in African forest and wildlife protection. As Gabon’s Minister of Water, Forests, the Sea and the Environment, he played a pivotal role in establishing the country as a global leader in forest elephant conservation. His leadership was instrumental in implementing ground-breaking surveillance systems to combat poaching and in securing carbon financing to preserve elephant habitats.

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Ian Craig

Trustee
Executive Director, Lewa Wildlife Conservancy

Ian Craig is a pioneer of community-led wildlife conservation in East Africa. As Executive Director of the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, he transformed his family ranch in northern Kenya into a haven for endangered species. Ian is also a founding member of the Northern Rangelands Trust, which today supports over 40 community conservancies across Kenya, helping to protect critical elephant corridors and reduce human-wildlife conflict. His work has directly contributed to the recovery of elephant populations in the region.

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Dr M. Sanjayan

Trustee
Former CEO, Conservation International

Sanjayan  is a globally recognised conservation scientist whose work emphasises the essential role of nature in human prosperity. As former CEO of Conservation International, he led major initiatives across Africa and Asia to protect keystone species, including elephants, by preserving landscapes critical to their survival. Sanjayan has been a prominent voice in advancing nature-based climate solutions and supporting indigenous communities in safeguarding elephant habitats. Through his media work and science-based advocacy, he continues to raise global awareness of the ecological and cultural significance of elephants and the urgent need for their protection.

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Meet the Team

Partner Organisations and Supporters

A number of leading international organisations have pledged themselves to the aims of the Elephant Protection Initiative and work in partnership with the EPI Secretariat to support and implement elephant conservation efforts throughout Africa.

Our  work is supported by leading philanthropic organisations, institutional and private donors. 

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Logo - USFWS
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Logo - IWT Challenge Fund
Logo - Tusk
Logo - CI
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